Food colors are natural or synthetic substances added to food products to enhance their appearance, making them more appealing and recognizable. In the Indian context, food colors are regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure they are safe for consumption and used within approved limits.
For businesses involved in food production, packaging, or sale—such as restaurants, food processing units, or snack manufacturers—using food colors comes under FSSAI compliance. Only food colors permitted by FSSAI can be used, and they must be declared on product labels. Non-compliance, such as using unauthorized colors or exceeding the allowed quantity, can lead to penalties, license suspension, or legal action.
During the FSSAI registration or license application process, business owners must provide details about the ingredients they use, including any food additives like colors. Even small-scale home-based food businesses need to disclose if food colors are part of their offerings. Ensuring proper documentation and transparency helps businesses build trust with consumers and avoid legal issues.
To streamline your FSSAI registration and ensure compliance with food color regulations, consider professional assistance from trusted platforms like FinTax24, which offer end-to-end support for food safety certification and filings.
Understanding and following the guidelines related to food colors not only keeps your business legally compliant but also upholds product quality and consumer safety.